Blue Sky Development. We are investors, placemakers, developers, storytellers and renegades. Ziggers among zaggers. Our team has deep best-in-class hospitality and retail experience with an extensive leadership background in development, resort operations and asset management. We continually strive to find the balance of creativity and financial discipline, guided by our principles of environmental sustainability and cultural sensitivity.
Mike Phillips
Owner / Co-Founder
Mike Phillips is co-founder of Blue Sky who oversees all operations. Mike grew up in a ranching family in Fresno California. His first 21 years were spent riding horses, gathering cows and sheep, or hauling hay at family ranches in California and Oregon. After graduating from USC in 1977, Mike married Barb. Work and family took precedence for the newlyweds, and the ranching life took a break. Mike owned and operated the POLO Ralph Lauren Stores from 1979 to 1984 with his father and brother in law. In 1984 his focus shifted to shopping centers, and he worked for the Taubman Company developing enclosed malls until 1989. FULL BIO
Next, Mike worked with Biggs Hypermarkets in Cincinnati for two years until he decided to break away and start his own company with his friend and business partner Jeff Edison. Over the next 25 years Mike and Jeff built Phillips Edison & Company into the largest private owner of grocery anchored shopping centers in the United States. Today the company has over 35 million square feet of assets under management and direct ownership that represents over 300 community shopping centers anchored by grocery stores.
In 2002 Mike moved to Park City to manage Phillips Edison’s western expansion. The company had opened offices in Salt Lake City 2001 to acquire shopping centers in the western states. In 2004 Mike purchased the Blue Sky ranch to satisfy his longing for a return to the western ranching life. Initially Blue Sky was envisioned as a corporate ranch retreat for Phillips Edison; however it evolved into a special place where guests could enjoy extended stays. Mike invited High West to bring their headquarters to Blue Sky to begin the transformation into a world class destination resort. Then Mike toured internationally recognized boutique five-star hotels including Aman resorts to understand Blue Sky guest expectations. The result is Blue Sky Utah. There is nothing like it in the world. Mike is a visionary with the expertise to realize the vision.
Barbara Phillips
Owner / Co-Founder
Barb is a lifelong animal rescuer whose dedication to the horse sets the spirit of Blue Sky. As co-founder of Blue Sky Utah, she has been deeply involved in the development of the equine program. An accomplished rider, she has worked extensively with Buck Brannaman, “the horse whisperer,” to establish the proper starting of Blue Sky’s young horses and the care of mature guest and ranch horses. Barb also initiated the training program for the Blue Sky wranglers and developed the guest ride programs for Blue Sky Adventures. On most days you can see Barb pursuing her passions, feeding and providing care to the horses. FULL BIO
Prior to opening Blue Sky Barb was an accomplished small businesswoman. She created the nonprofit Saving Gracie Equine Healing Foundation, which is dedicated to sheltering and helping abused and neglected horses through kindness, trust and the most current advances in equine medical research. Looking to the future, Barb plans to create a more sustainable environment that continues to care for, rescue and provide homes to horses and other farm animals at Blue Sky Utah. Her respect for the land and all creatures that make it their home inspires the vision of Blue Sky Utah.
Barbara Phillips
Owner / Co-Founder
Barb is a lifelong animal rescuer whose dedication to the horse sets the spirit of Blue Sky. As co-founder of Blue Sky Utah, she has been deeply involved in the development of the equine program. An accomplished rider, she has worked extensively with Buck Brannaman, “the horse whisperer,” to establish the proper starting of Blue Sky’s young horses and the care of mature guest and ranch horses. Barb also initiated the training program for the Blue Sky wranglers and developed the guest ride programs for Blue Sky Adventures. On most days you can see Barb pursuing her passions, feeding and providing care to the horses. FULL BIO
Prior to opening Blue Sky Barb was an accomplished small businesswoman. She created the nonprofit Saving Gracie Equine Healing Foundation, which is dedicated to sheltering and helping abused and neglected horses through kindness, trust and the most current advances in equine medical research. Looking to the future, Barb plans to create a more sustainable environment that continues to care for, rescue and provide homes to horses and other farm animals at Blue Sky Utah. Her respect for the land and all creatures that make it their home inspires the vision of Blue Sky Utah.
Stuart Campbell
Chief Operating Officer
Stuart is responsible for development of Blue Sky Utah’s new luxury hotel, resort adventures, food and beverage operations, and supervision of ranch operations. Before taking the reins at Blue Sky, Stuart was general manager of the Amangani in Jackson, WY, recognized by Condé Nast Traveler’s Platinum Circle and US News and World Report’s Top 10 Hotels in the US. Previously, he held executive positions in management and operations at Wynn Las Vegas, Wynn Club – Wynn Macau, and luxury resorts from the Himalayas to the South Pacific. Stuart has a BBA with accounting concentration from the University of New Mexico.
Michael W. Gardner
Onsite Project Manager
Mike plans and oversees every aspect of construction at Blue Sky. His responsibilities include coordination, site analysis, budgeting, scheduling, reviews, inspections, safety and assurance. Mike’s extensive construction background covers a broad landscape of high end residential and commercial properties. He built, opened and operated Amangiri Resort, a $50M luxury resort and spa in the canyons of southern Utah. Mike is an alumnus of North Idaho College.
Michael W. Gardner
Onsite Project Manager
Mike plans and oversees every aspect of construction at Blue Sky. His responsibilities include coordination, site analysis, budgeting, scheduling, reviews, inspections, safety and assurance. Mike’s extensive construction background covers a broad landscape of high end residential and commercial properties. He built, opened and operated Amangiri Resort, a $50M luxury resort and spa in the canyons of southern Utah. Mike is an alumnus of North Idaho College.
Stephen Conte
Chief Financial Officer
Stephen Conte is a financial professional with over 30 years of experience in managing risk assets for wealthy families. Stephen has served as a Financial Advisor as well as CFO for family-owned operating businesses. Since 1987, Stephen has held a lead role in the financial governance of residential and commercial real estate holdings from ground-up development to portfolio construction of existing real estate assets. In 2013, Stephen joined the Phillips Family and Blue Sky Ranch to develop and manage the financial approach to creating and maintaining a five-star resort. Stephen holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in Finance.